Abstract:
The struggle over civil rights has a long history in the United States and it still continues today. The issue of same-sex marriage has recently been making its way through the legal system and is headed in the direction of the Supreme Court challenging the constitutionality of the federal Defense of Marriage Act. Examining past civil rights and same-sex marriage cases can help predict what methods the Supreme Court will use to make their decision on same-sex marriage. Including the progress of the gay-rights movement in the examination of past cases can show the effects of social movements on public opinion and court decisions and how it will effect the Supreme Court's decision on this particular issue. I analyze all of these factors to provide an educated prediction of how the Supreme Court will rule on same-sex marriage.
